Weekend Wish

Easter weekend and still chilly. Nothing new here in Chicago, but even just the glimmer of the 40s, makes me happy. At least the sun should shine for Sunday and maybe the little guy will be into his first egg hunt. 

In the meantime, I am lusting after this jewelry designer out of Hong Kong that I found on Etsy. Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding you have coming up or maybe you are looking for the perfect statement necklace for your next event, check out these ridiculous pieces from Bayila. They would be absolutely perfect with a dress you probably already own and with this glimmering on top of it, no one would ever notice you wore it twice. 

These last two are what I have my eye on. 

Can you believe how gorgeous? And for the price of what you would probably be spending on that new dress. Going to go through my closet and find the perfect dress to wear these with so I can splurge on one. They are too gorgeous. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Going Green

In an effort to get slightly healthier and pack more veggies in my Reese's Eggs Filled body, I decided to get on the green smoothie train. Now, I have juiced before. And let me tell you a little about that experience...

It was about three years ago, my friends and I went on the Blueprint Cleanse juice diet for five days. I know some people swear by them, but to be honest, I thought it was a huge waste of time and more than anything, money. It is one thing to start your day with a super food filled juice, it is quite another to drink every meal and miss chewing something. When it was all said and done, I lost three pounds (gained back in a week), my breath was stinky, and my brain functionality was not even close to full throttle. Yes, it made us all idiots for a week. I preface all this by saying that we are all generally healthy eaters and have active lifestyles and felt it did not do much for us, but for those people that have a lot of junk and fast food in their diet looking to "jump start" a healthier way of life, this might be a good route to get started. 

So clearly I am not going to start drinking all my meals anytime soon (ever), but starting the day with a antioxidant and nutrient filled smoothie sounds like something I can tackle. And maybe even like. I did some research and found that while juicing gives you a lot of nutrients, it does not give you the benefit of an entire piece of fruit or vegetable, so I decided that the smoothie route is better for me. While I wish a yogurt heavy, filled with sugary fruit smoothie was the healthiest option, the mostly green and dairy free version is the better route. 

To make these green smoothies you need a machine that can pulverise every fruit and veggie you plan on throwing in. The Vitamix is heavily recommended and I even have wanted one for awhile, but given that I have no idea if this smoothie kick will last, I went with the Nutribullet. It is $100, super easy to clean (everything gets thrown in the dishwasher), and does not take up a huge amount of space in your cabinets. 

Nutribullet

I have been using this recipe for the Glowing Green Smoothie as my reference. I switch up the greens, sometimes adding kale or chard, throwing in a carrot or strawberries, and sprinkling in some chia or flax seeds. I like more lemon juice as well. You can also add coconut water instead of the plain stuff. 

It has taken a few days to get used to this drink. It is not like a milkshake, or maybe it is, but you have to chew it a little and there is no sugary deliciousness. I do feel better starting my day with a big healthy drink. I am hoping it does help my skin a bit, which is one of the main reasons I am doing it at all. 

xo

Erin

Flower Bomb

I am really digging the modern, digital prints that take average Spring florals and turn them into fresh, flirty pieces. Floral can feel too old and too young pretty easily, finding something in between is tough. An unexpected color combination and a dress that is cut to flatter are a good start on how to wear the new florals. 

From Left: Asos $42 / Asos $93 / FindersKeepers $128 / Clover Canyon $246

I worship the second Asos dress. the fit is flattering and would be great for a party, wedding, or even during the day with flats. Clover Canyon is kind of an obsession of mine. I want to wear this the second it gets warm out. Wouldn't it be cute for Easter with a blazer and wedges? 

Because these dresses have so much going on, simple accessories would be best. Maybe your favorite watch and simple studs with these beauties...

Shoes: Zara $79 / Bag: Alexander McQueen $430

The Zara shoes also come in other colors, but the simple black remind me of the Celine pair that everyone is drooling over on Pinterest. The McQueen bag is such a pretty shade of blush, holds a lot and can be used with anything. 

What are the chances I will even get to sport a dress this weekend for Easter? Pretty slim unless it involved tights, closed toe shoes, blazer and sleeves. Annoying. But these prints are making me happy and I think one of these would be perfect for a Spring wedding I have coming up. 

xo

Erin 

Fabric Help

The fabric store nearby is having a sale until the end of the month, so I thought it was about time I pick some fabric to recover the two original chairs I have that go with our antique (from family) dining rooms set. I wanted to go with something in the blue spectrum, with some pattern, but not anything too crazy since there is still drapes to pick out and paint selection for the room. 

This one from Nate Berkus' line is heavy, with a fun pattern. 

This sort of abstract ikat is gorgeous in person. Plus it picks up the mint color I have in my deer head above the fireplace. 

Then there is a classic Suzani for something fun. 

The trellis part of this fabric is actually a short velvet, so it has a nice texture to it. And I love the rich blue color. 

I need your help. Which do you like best? 

xo

Erin 

Malibu Monday

How was your weekend? We are having a little getaway to the city for a few days. It is freezing, but nice to switch up the routine. There have been some chilly walks, lots of (too much) Reese's eggs, bloody Mary's, and running after our little guy who went from sometimes walking to basically running overnight. 

Have I ever told you that I am a real estate broker? It is not something I write about often on the site, but I have been getting so many questions lately about the market that I thought I should at least divulge. I work for my own brokerage with just a couple of clients at a time, which I love since I can concentrate on those properties and clients with all of my attention. So if you ever need a broker (in Illinois) or just have a question, I am happy to help! 

Being a broker makes me infinitely curious about all properties, no matter the location. One of my new favorite sites is Curbed. It has unique properties and articles on them, including many celebrity properties that have sold recently or are up to sale. If you are ever feeling down about losing money on your property, having to change your price, etc. go read the celebrity real estate section, it is filled with properties that celebrities are losing millions on. Sounds so bad, but it makes you feel a bit better when you read that a Kardashian just had to lower their price $4 million or that Ryan Gosling sold his bachelor pad for half a million dollars less than he paid for it. 

They recently posted pictures of Pam Anderson's Malibu home that is on the market for $7.78 million. Apparently, she went so overboard with the renovations she can no longer afford to stay there. I love the work she had done on the house and also cannot get over how far your money goes in Malibu. No where. The house is light, chic, minimal and everything would never expect from Pammy. 

The downstairs has an open concept living/kitchen with doors that open wide to the terrace and pool. 

Love that mantel and the floors. 

Who doesn't need a piano on their patio? Love the modern picnic table. 

Love the bar stools and the giant fridge. 

Upstairs there is a master suite that matches the modern beach-y feel, with a touch of glam thrown in. Pam could not resist. 

The indoor/outdoor thing gets me really jealous since it is impossible to replicate here in the mosquito Midwest. 

Not really into the vanity and bath tub being part of the room, but how fab is that tiled wall? Just a little sparkle to offset the stark design. That would be such a great back splash in a bathroom. I want one of those flattering back lit mirrors, too. 

Looks like Pammy had lots of privacy, not that she really wanted it. 

Doesn't this house make you want to go on vacation? Check out more celeb real estate on Curbed. Such a fun Monday distraction 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wishes

Just another cold weekend waiting for it to actually be Spring. Ordering pizza with a friend tonight, brunch with friends tomorrow, and the rest of the weekend lazing around with the men in my life. In the meantime, this is what I am dreaming of...

How fantastic is this braided cuff? Perfect with flirty dresses in the summer. 

Bop Bijoux $65

Winter has made me such a hermit that this picture made me crave a dance party. One involving Amy would be peeerfect. 

I pinned this dress and it is haunting me. If you happen to know where it is from or anything similar, send to me! It is gorgeous. 

The perfect nude wedge for day or night. Honestly, I sniff these out every Spring you would think all I owned were nude wedges. 

DVF $295

After the glory of my Shamrock shake on Sunday, I can not stop thinking about a DQ cookie dough blizzard. Thinking another Sunday treat is  in my future. 

I hope you have the best weekend and whatever you are dreaming about today comes true. 

xo

Erin 

Filling the Hallways

A hallway that gets tons of use morning and night is still sitting in the dark. This hallway connects the kitchen to the master, with a powder room and doorway to the basement in between. It is stark and without light fixtures, rugs, art, anything. Except if you count the dollar night lights that have been dazzling us from Home Depot. 

View from master into hallway

View from kitchen into hallway

Luckily, the wiring is already set up for three fixtures, so installation should be painless. The fixtures have been ordered (so proud that I finally made a decision, seriously my indecisiveness is beyond annoying) and are on the way. Industrial, yet classic in shape, plus they can be hung at any height. 

from Shade of Light

The Edison bulbs will also be used to keep with the vibe. These are very similar to a Pottery Barn version that is no longer available, except if you get lucky on Ebay, where my friend found one to go above her kitchen sink. Seeing hers helped me finalize my decision since it looked so fab. Thanks Jenna! 

I will probably keep art to minimum since there are so many doors. Maybe a small gallery wall to the left of the master entry? Runners are a must. At least two, one astride the corner. These options are my finalists. 

from left: West Elm $49 / West Elm $229 / West Elm $179 / Satya $260 / Panoptic $66

Clearly, some are much more wallet friendly than others. Considering I need two, the Panoptic and the first West Elm options are looking good. But, I can always use one of these other rugs upstairs where I also need runners. 

One more decision for this space. How long do you think it will take me? 

xo

Erin 

One Piece Please

The Rachel Zoe Project is on again tonight, are you a fan? I have watched since the first season and love seeing how her business has gone from just styling to ma-jor corporate brand. Some of her language and reactions are getting a tad bit old, but she seems like a fun boss and a glimpse into her world is a nice escape for an hour. 

If you do watch or at least saw her collection for Spring, she was all over the maxi (subject matter of last weeks ep) and of course the jumpsuit. I have such a love for the jumpsuit or romper. It is so easy to throw one on and poof! You have a look. Plus, having shorts or pants attached is way easier to get around in than a short skirt or giant maxi. 

 Printed Splendid $118 / Chambray AG $198 / Silky BCBG $228 / Blocked Paige $253

I LOVE the sweet print of the first romper and the Chambray has such an ease to it. The BCBG screams vacation to me. And the sporty, but silky Paige could be perfect for date night.  

I think people are more wary about jumpsuits with pants since the dreaded camel toe situation. It is all about the fit and if there is any pulling, return immediately. But how chic would these be? 

Ombre DVF $465 / Draping Ramy Brook $445 / Printed Rachel Zoe $325/ Sexy Parker $286

The DVF printed jumpsuit is beyond chic to me, the print is so pretty. The Ramy Brook is gorgeous and with some gold jewelry and simple heels, you would kill it at your next event. Rachel's printed cropped suit is perfect for a day look or concert. The relaxed fit of the Parker looks comfortable, but also shows some skin. 

xo

Erin 

From Me to Mom

A friend sent me the link to this fantastic blog post about becoming a mother. It is so truthful and right on. Life has certainly changed a lot around here in the last year. It is okay to mourn some of the freedom you have lost and at the same time revel in the joy your kid has brought you. It can be a roller coaster to say the least.

Check out this post from Renegade Mothering, it is worth a read for not just moms, but the people that love them. 

xo

Erin 

Crunchy Thai Stir Fry

I started my Sunday with a pilates class (haven't been in months) and a trip to the grocery store. I was home and ready to enjoy the rest of my day by 10am. That is so unlike me. I am more of a let's leisurely have breakfast and start the day at noon because it is the weekend kind of person. It felt great and motivated me make great dinners this week. My new slow cooker came on Friday, so I am psyched to use it. I have a jambalaya recipe that I usually make on the stove and a Southwestern brisket from Smitten on the agenda. 

Last week, I made this delicious Thai stir fry that was easy to put together with ingredients I usually keep around the kitchen. I keep a lot of Asian ingredients around, probably more than most. Having a bottle of soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame oil in the pantry can make it easy to whip up a non-take out Asian dinner. With a few other items, mostly healthful, this came together quite nicely. 

Crunchy Thai Stir Fry

serves 4

For the sauce: 

1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter that has been heated in the microwave

2 cloves of garlic, minced

juice of two limes

1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey

Sriracha or any hot sauce to taste

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

1 teaspoon fish sauce

Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking. Set aside. 

For the stir fry: 

about two cups shredded or diced cooked chicken. I use a rotisserie chicken from the market

1/2 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup carrot, diced

1/2 cup cooked quinoa (if you do not have this, use more rice or more veggies)

8oz package of "ready brown rice" like Uncle Ben's, cooked

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 can sliced bamboo shoots

handful of chopped cilantro

3 chopped scallions

handful of crushed peanuts

Heat a large skillet or wok to medium high heat with a couple glugs of vegetable or peanut oil. Once hot, add the onions and carrots and saute until carrots are just tender. Add the chicken, quinoa, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and the sauce. Cook, stirring well, until everything is well heated and combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning. 

Serve hot with cilantro, scallion, and peanuts sprinkled on top. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Daydreaming

It is such a cliche to keep talking about how Spring is almost here. But can we really help but look forward to a new set of clothing options that we get to enjoy in the sunshine? By this time of year I have gone way beyond trying to look cute while staying warm and wear leggings, boots, and an oversized sweater. Not cute. 

You know what would be cute? Stepping out for a dinner al fresco, drinking some vino, and wearing something light and pretty. 

Sweater Dress / Essie Tart Deco / Sandals / Watch / Bracelet / Clutch

This dress is so pretty and I love the fact that it is knit. I have Tart Deco on right now and it is so bright and coral-ly fun. I can't even start talking about those shoes, I have them in my cart right now, taunting me. Watches have been so big and chunky that a slim band would look so fresh paired with a link bracelet. They would look perfect with a soft, neutral clutch. 

 It is warming up this weekend. A balmy 43. Argh. 

xo

Erin 

Spring Break Recap

It has taken more than a few days to get back to reality. Coming down from the high of constant sunshine and the ever present sound of waves crashing is even harder when it is 35 outside. All you can do is hope it happens again. Soon. So what was I up to the last two weeks in Florida?

I finally got to wear the Prabal Gurung for Target dress that I picked up the last time I needed milk. It just needed a belt and some warm weather. 

I really do not get past reading magazines when I am at home, but I took full advantage of nap times by finally reading the book that has been looming on my bedside tables since Christmas. 

I LOVED this book. It was the perfect quick vacation read, was chock full of incredible stories filled with fashion's most influential people of the last fifty years. If you have seen The September Issue, can rattle off photographer and model names easily, and are interested in how Grace Coddington got to be the most influential woman (besides Anna) in fashion, add it to your must read list. 

The little man got dressed for dinner most nights. So fancy. I died when I put him in these RL khakis that had a belt. So grown up.

It was chilly at night and we walked a lot, so I was psyched that I packed these fold up flats. So comfy and look great with cropped skinnies or a short dress. 

Fresh seafood is always the highlight of the meals I have there. But I could also not get enough of these Spicy Rosemary & Maple nuts that my Mother-in-law made. They are beyond addicting and I found a similar recipe here. 

There were a lot of beautiful sunsets from the balcony. 

And one special one with the babe. 

Trying to get my routine back at home, but I am not going to lie and say I wish I was not still there. There is always the next trip to look forward to and mine is a girls only trip to AZ. Super excited for that get away. Where are you headed this Spring? 

xo

Erin 

I'm Out

See you when I get back. 

xo

Erin